Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by his Brother
Chapter 282: _ Resolution II

Chapter 282: _ Resolution II

We made it back to the grand hall of the pack house, and the doors opened like the gates of heaven. Inside, the venue was still frozen in that awkward post-chaos stillness.

Half-eaten hors d’oeuvres sat on silver trays, a champagne flute teetered dangerously close to a bridesmaid’s elbow, and someone’s veil was hanging from a chandelier. No one dared speak above a murmur.

Then my not-so-proud father—rose to his feet. I could feel the weight of his gaze like a branding iron on my skin. For a moment, I worried he might try to salvage Rosa’s dignity, make excuses, or worse—blame me. But then he did something I never expected.

He bowed his head.

"To our honored guests and esteemed council members," he began, "I deeply apologize for the abrupt pause in this sacred ceremony. Emotions ran high. Truths were revealed. And justice... was done. This is a fault my family shall stand accountable for. I ask that you and every member of this pack pardon us. We promise to do better from now on."

Holy shit.

Did Don Diego just render a public apology? Did he just do that? I wished to hell that I could throw my head back and burst into a wholesome laughter.

Who could have thought his golden daughter to whom he believed would bring him the greatest pride could be the reason why he’d bow to dozens of people whom he considered not worth a hair on his chin?

Tables were turning. I hoped to hell that they stayed like that for good.

Don Diego turned toward me, something like reluctance shadowing his eyes. "We now return to this blessed union. Let the ceremony commence."

I barely breathed. My fingers tightened around Axel’s. This was it. This was actually happening.

I was about to marry the man who saw my scars and didn’t flinch. Who peeled back every layer of shame and found a wolf inside. My wolf. Strong, beautiful, and just a little bit feral.

The officiant cleared his throat and stepped forward. Candles flickered back to life as if they, too, were waiting for a second chance at magic. Music fluttered to life like a heartbeat.

I felt the eyes of everyone in the room settle on me like a blanket of heat.

My dress swayed as I walked down the aisle, Axel beside me. I should’ve been nervous, trembling like some delicate flower. But I wasn’t. I was electric. I was thunder bottled in lace.

Right now, I wasn’t walking toward Axel—I was walking into a future I never dared to imagine. One I almost believed I didn’t deserve.

But the wolf inside me snarled at that thought. "You do. More than anyone."

Oh, I loved her already. Although, I wasn’t sure what to name her yet. Hell, I couldn’t wait to meet her.

I didn’t blink when we reached the altar. I didn’t waver. Axel reached up, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, his eyes dark and molten with emotion. The room faded, and the people became shadows. There was only him. Only us.

The priest stepped forward and cleared his throat.

"Since our bride has changed so much in heart and soul," he said slowly, looking directly at me, "it is only fitting that we start anew."

I felt every eye burn into me. My throat tightened. I was trembling, not from fear but from the gravity of the moment—this was more than a ritual. It was a rebirth.

"Señorita Camilla," the priest’s gaze shifted to my sister or rather, sister-in-law. After all, I was no longer a De La Vega. I’d been disowned. We were no longer sisters. Don Diego was no longer my Father.

I and Camilla could only be sisters-in-law now. I almost dreaded the realization that I’d be living in the same house as her once again.

However, this time, things would be different. I would no longer be the bullied. Hell, I’d be the predator.

"You will say your vows again."

Camilla’s face paled. She swallowed hard, biting her lip. "I—I’m too... too held down by everything that’s gone on," she stammered, her voice breaking, "I can’t remember the words."

Camilla, were you too held down by the turn of events, or your short brain couldn’t remember the words because you’re so dumb and not bright?

Tch.

A hush fell like a soft winter blanket. The tension was palpable. It wad the kind that wraps your ribs and squeezes your heart tight.

Álvaro, cleared his throat, looking more bitter than anyone present. Yes, I was the girl he slapped and humiliated in front of everyone. The girl whom he publicly rejected for being weak and not possessing a wolf now had the most powerful Luna wolf the pack had ever seen.

Way more powerful than her sister whom he chose instead. And worse? She was marrying his brother. On the same day, he was getting married as well!

Ah, fate was so ironic. I lived for moments like this one.

"Axel and María José should just repeat their vows," he said quietly, "Camilla and I already said ours before the interruption."

The priest nodded, and all eyes shifted back to Axel and me and my heart began to pound again. I could hear Axel’s steady breath behind me, and feel his warmth grounding me through the turmoil of emotions twisting inside.

The moment was mine and I would not waste it.

I took a deep breath, letting the silence settle around me. Then, looking straight into Axel’s eyes, I spoke.

"Axel," my voice trembled at first but found strength as I spoke, "you stood by me when the world turned its back. When I was the wolfless curse of the pack—the one no one wanted to claim or even speak about—you fought for me."

Tears pricked my eyes, but I swallowed them down, not wanting to break the spell.

"You showed me that love isn’t about perfection or pride, but about fighting for each other even when life goes to shit. You made me believe that I’m worthy—not just as a wolf, but as a woman, and a wolf."

My fingers tightened around his. "I vow to be the best wife you deserve, the mother our children need, and the Luna who will always stand by your side through every storm."

I could see his breath hitch, his eyes glistening like the stars outside. I could feel it. I could tell we were about to enter a new phase. It was definitely not going to be easy and of course, it’d have its thorns.

But this time would be different. This time, we were going to fight our battles together, living under the same roof, in the same room, and in the same... bed.

I was more than ready... For us.